The wildfire burning along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim has grown into one of the most destructive in the park’s history. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire has already scorched more than 11,700 acres and continues to spread, leaving a devastating path in its wake—including the loss of the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other historic structures.
Park officials have confirmed the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season and into 2026. All staff and visitors were evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported, but the scale of destruction is significant and ongoing.
A fire that started small grew out of control
Initially, the fire was being managed as a “confine and contain” burn—a common strategy in national parks to allow lightning-caused fires to clear undergrowth naturally. But by mid-July, intense heat, dry conditions, and high winds caused the blaze to explode in size. Fire crews pivoted to full suppression efforts, deploying aerial water and retardant drops in an attempt to protect key infrastructure.
Operations were briefly interrupted when a chlorine gas leak was detected at a water treatment site, forcing crews to retreat temporarily before resuming their efforts. As of July 20, containment remains low, estimated between 2% and 8%, with over 800 personnel on the ground fighting the fire.
A devastating toll on historic structures
Among the 70 to 80 buildings destroyed are historic cabins, a visitor center, and utility facilities. The most notable loss is the Grand Canyon Lodge, a National Historic Landmark built in the 1920s. Known for its rustic stone-and-timber design and sweeping canyon views, the lodge was one of the North Rim’s most beloved attractions and a key part of the park’s heritage. Restoration efforts are expected to take years, and it’s unclear whether the lodge can ever be rebuilt to its former glory.
Governor calls for federal review
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs toured the charred area earlier this week and expressed deep concern over the park’s initial decision to let the fire burn. Hobbs has called for a federal investigation into whether the National Park Service’s policies contributed to the destruction.
The fire has sparked national debate about how parks balance natural fire management with protecting historic structures and ensuring visitor access, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent.
What travelers need to know
For visitors, the fire means significant changes to travel plans. The entire North Rim—including its campgrounds and popular trails such as North Kaibab—is closed until further notice, with reopening not expected until at least 2026.
The South Rim remains open to visitors, though smoke from the fire has impacted air quality and visibility on some days. Travelers planning a Grand Canyon visit should check National Park Service updates regularly and prepare for potential fire restrictions.